Contributions of three Japanese individuals to Canada-Japan relations recognized

In Japan today, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien recognized the contribution of three individuals who, through their personal efforts and corporate or government affiliations, have played an important role in the Canada-Japan relationship. They are: Koichiro Ejiri, Shinroku Morohashi and Yoshi Okawara.

"Canada commends and thanks these exemplary Japanese leaders for their vision and entrepreneurship," said the Prime Minister. "Each person has helped to bridge the miles between our two countries and create a legacy of goodwill that benefits both Canadians and Japanese alike."

The following provides a brief biography of the three honourees recognized by the Prime Minister:

Mr. Koichiro Ejiri is currently Senior Advisor to the Board of Mitsui & Co. and the Chairman of the Canada Committee of the Keidanren, a business organization representing almost 1000 of Japan's major corporations. Mr. Ejiri is a career Mitsui employee and has served abroad in Australia and the United States. He is active in several senior business organizations in Japan and has received many decorations from the Japanese and foreign governments. He led the Keidanren Business Partnerships Mission which visited Canada in September 1996.

Mr. Shinroku Morohashi is currently Chairman of Mitsubishi Corporation. He is a Mitsubishi career employee and has served abroad in the United Kingdom and the Philippines. He was Acting Chairman of the Japan-Canada Economic Committee of the Keidanren in 1988-89 and in 1992-93, and led the Japanese Investment Study Mission to Canada in 1989. Mr. Morohashi has received many decorations from the Japanese and foreign governments.

Ambassador Yoshio Okawara is currently Executive Advisor to the Keidanren, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Executive Advisor, Kobe Steel Ltd. He is a former career foreign service officer who served as Ambassador to Australia and the United States (1980-85). Mr. Okawara is active in domestic and international affairs. He assumed the original co-chairmanship of the Canada-Japan Forum 2000, an advisory committee convened in 1991 to review bilateral relations and explore possible areas of increased cooperation.